NEWS Penguin deaths perplex experts By NICOLA WOLFE nicola.wolfe@fairfaxmedia.co.nz of blue penguins is not cause for panic – yet. He was speaking following the discovery of seven dead penguins at the mouth of Oamaru Creek. The penguins were spotted by A locals and were cleared from the area by biologists from the Blue Penguin Colony. However, investigations into the deaths were unable to proceed as the bodies had already begun to decompose. Department of Zoology Pro- fessor Philip Seddon says that though the deaths are unusual there is no need to panic unless more deaths occur. ‘‘It’s uncommon to see a large number of adults dead in one place but without more details it’s really hard to tell what happened.’’ The deaths could have been caused by a number of things like toxins in the water, foul play, dog attacks or getting caught in wire or fencing in the creek, he said. n Otago University penguin expert says the recent death of a number Hopefully, a one-off:An Otago University penguin expert says the penguin deaths were likely a one off event. ‘‘Dogs could kill more than one. However, there would be signs of struggle.’’ Blue Colony research scientist Philippa Agnew says there was no sign of struggle or wounds on the penguins’ bodies. ‘‘There was no obvious cause of death,’’ she said. ‘‘They were found in the water. Somebody said there was a bit of wire, but we can’t say whether they were caught on the wire or whether that’s what killed them.’’ Agnew says the colony is not even sure whether the penguins died in the water or were put there later. ‘‘It’s one of the mysteries of penguins living in an urban environment,’’ she said. Shortly after the discovery Agnew spoke to a local Department of Conservation ranger, who had not heard of any similar incidents. Seddon said it is likely the deaths were a one-off event. There had been incidents in the past where other breeds have randomly died. ‘‘The have been occasions where adult yellow-eyed penguins have come ashore and dropped dead,’’ he said. ‘‘Don’t panic – yet.’’ He suggests that people keep an eye out on the penguins and ensure areas where they are found are kept clear of wire and fencing that could potentially cause harm. Agnew urges anyone with information regarding last week’s incident, or who sees anything suspicious, to contact the colony on 433 1195 Police: secure firearms Oamaru Police are reminding North Otago firearms owners to be vigilant following a spate of thefts from properties in Southland. Senior Sergeant Tony Woodbridge said while there have been no recent reports of local firearms thefts, people should be securing their firearms and recording their details. ‘‘From time to time we do have an issue with firearms being stolen but we haven’t had any reports in the last period,’’ Woodbridge said. ‘‘It’s a good reminder to locals that firearms do need to be locked away.’’ Fifteen rifles and shotguns were stolen from an Invercargill address late last month and police are also investigating the theft of seven shotguns and another firearm from a farm at Taramoa, west of Invercargill, earlier in August. A hunting rifle was also taken from a vehicle near Tuatapere on August 17. Police do not know whether the thefts were linked. Police say that while in most of the cases firearms were securely stored, it’s timely to remind firearms owners across the district of the importance of safely storing firearms, as required in the firearms code. ‘‘As per the firearms code, firearms control laws address two basic issues – safety and security,’’ Southland Area prevention manager Inspector Olaf Jensen said. ‘‘Rigorous procedures for firearms storage are essential and firearms owners are required to take adequate steps to secure their firearms against theft,’’ Jensen said. Police are also asking firearms owners to ensure that they keep a record of the serial numbers and details of the firearms they own, including the type and model. ‘‘This information can be extremely useful to police in identifying firearms that have been stolen.’’ In general terms, securing firearms adequately under the firearms code includes locking firearms away in a secure cabinet, rack or strong room where they are not accessible to children or to a casual, opportunist thief. Ammunition must be stored separately or a firearm made incapable of firing when stored. Firearms should also never be left unattended in vehicles. Sizes 37 – 42 Our price $85 Question mark: The cause of the recent death of seven blue penguins is unknown. C.C. Resort Casuals Style: “Jackie” T-bar style sandal in the latest fashion printed range of colours. Available in orange, indigo and black Flexible lightweight rubber soles WAITAKI HERALD, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 3 “LOVE M Lo EME, Lovemy shoes oes” 79-81 Thames Street, Oamaru www.mcdiarmids.co.nz EWS Penguin deaths perplex experts By NICOLA WOLFE nicola.wolfe@fairfaxmedia.co.nz of blue penguins is not cause for panic – yet. He was speaking following the discovery of seven dead penguins at the mouth of Oamaru Creek. The penguins were spotted by A locals and were cleared from the area by biologists from the Blue Penguin Colony. However, investigations into the deaths were unable to pro- ceed as the bodies had already begun to decompose. Department of Zoology Pro- fessor Philip Seddon says that though the deaths are unusual there is no need to panic unless more deaths occur. ‘‘It’s uncommon to see a large number of adults dead in one place but without more details it’s really hard to tell what happened.’’ The deaths could have been caused by a number of things like toxins in the water, foul play, dog attacks or getting caught in wire or fencing in the creek, he said. n Otago University pen- guin expert says the recent death of a number Hopefully, a one-off:An Otago University penguin expert says the penguin deaths were likely a one off event. ‘‘Dogs could kill more than one. However, there would be signs of struggle.’’ Blue Colony research scientist Philippa Agnew says there was no sign of struggle or wounds on the penguins’ bodies. ‘‘There was no obvious cause of death,’’ she said. ‘‘They were found in the water. Somebody said there was a bit of wire, but we can’t say whether they were caught on the wire or whether that’s what killed them.’’ Agnew says the colony is not even sure whether the penguins died in the water or were put there later. ‘‘It’s one of the mysteries of penguins living in an urban environment,’’ she said. Shortly after the discovery Agnew spoke to a local Department of Conservation ranger, who had not heard of any similar incidents. Seddon said it is likely the deaths were a one-off event. There had been incidents in the past where other breeds have randomly died. ‘‘The have been occasions where adult yellow-eyed penguins have come ashore and dropped dead,’’ he said. ‘‘Don’t panic – yet.’’ He suggests that people keep an eye out on the penguins and ensure areas where they are found are kept clear of wire and fencing that could potentially cause harm. Agnew urges anyone with information regarding last week’s incident, or who sees anything suspicious, to contact the colony on 433 1195 Police: secure firearms Oamaru Police are reminding North Otago firearms owners to be vigilant following a spate of thefts from properties in Southland. Senior Sergeant Tony Woodbridge said while there have been no recent reports of local firearms thefts, people should be securing their firearms and recording their details. ‘‘From time to time we do have an issue with firearms being stolen but we haven’t had any reports in the last period,’’ Woodbridge said. ‘‘It’s a good reminder to locals that firearms do need to be locked away.’’ Fifteen rifles and shotguns were stolen from an Invercargill address late last month and police are also investigating the theft of seven shotguns and another firearm from a farm at Taramoa, west of Invercargill, earlier in August. A hunting rifle was also taken from a vehicle near Tuatapere on August 17. Police do not know whether the thefts were linked. Police say that while in most of the cases firearms were securely stored, it’s timely to remind firearms owners across the district of the importance of safely storing firearms, as required in the firearms code. ‘‘As per the firearms code, firearms control laws address two basic issues – safety and security,’’ Southland Area prevention manager Inspector Olaf Jensen said. ‘‘Rigorous procedures for firearms storage are essential and firearms owners are required to take adequate steps to secure their firearms against theft,’’ Jensen said. Police are also asking firearms owners to ensure that they keep a record of the serial numbers and details of the firearms they own, including the type and model. ‘‘This information can be extremely useful to police in identifying firearms that have been stolen.’’ In general terms, securing firearms adequately under the firearms code includes locking firearms away in a secure cabi- net, rack or strong room where they are not accessible to children or to a casual, oppor- tunist thief. Ammunition must be stored separately or a firearm made incapable of firing when stored. Firearms should also never be left unattended in vehicles. Sizes 37 – 42 Our price $85 Question mark: The cause of the recent death of seven blue penguins is unknown. C.C. Resort Casuals Style: “Jackie” T-bar style sandal in the latest fashion printed range of colours. Available in orange, indigo and black Flexible lightweight rubber soles WAITAKI HERALD, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 3 “LOVE M Lo EME, Lovemy shoes oes” 79-81 Thames Street, Oamaru www.mcdiarmids.co.nz A A safety message from Network Waitaki A safety message from Network Waitaki 6295555AA ALWAYS TREAT ELECTRICAL LINES AS LIVE AT ALL TIMES! Always remember to check for the position of overhead lines before beginning work – The electricity company that Delivers power in North Otago 6164301AW ree